Bedside Crib and Cot
A crib or bedside cot can be easily reached for night feedings and soothing. The majority of them have adjustable heights as well as a firm, flat air-conditioned mattress that helps your baby rest deeply and safely.
Mom tester Jasmin loved the crib's dimensions and said it's larger than standard Moses baskets but not too big. She also appreciated the multiple mesh windows and the 30-second open-fold mechanism.
Accessibility
A bedside crib, also referred as a co-sleeper, or bedside bassinet, is specifically designed sleep solution that allows babies to sleep close to their parents without the dangers of co-sleeping (like rolling off the parent's bed or getting suffocated). It can be particularly helpful for mothers who have had C-sections while they recover, and can aid them in getting into the swing with baby.
While it's a great method to teach sharing the space with your baby but you must consider certain things when buying one. In general it is best to ensure that the crib is secured with a 12cm barrier or wall to prevent your baby from rolling out and over onto your side of the bed. It should have a drop-down section that is easy to reach so you can grab your baby in the middle of the night, whether for comforting or feeding.
The top-rated bedside crib we've found is the SnuzPod 4. It's a best seller worldwide for its Scandi design and array of features, including the "ComfortAir" technology which helps regulate the temperature and maximize airflow. The HALO BassiNest Essentia is also a popular option. It features an adjustable sleeping space that can be swiveled and a sidewall that can be easily removed so you can reach inside to pick baby up or comfort them. The Joie Roomie Glide also has a collapsible edge that you can easily fold with your hand. It will then automatically return to its upright position.
All cribs we've analyzed for you here will fit neatly next to your bed and are compliant with the new BS EN 1130:2019 safety standard which introduced tougher requirements for these kinds of cribs. There are some cribs on the market that don't meet these standards, but as manufacturers replace older models with newer safer ones, they'll slowly disappear from stores. Make sure the crib you're thinking of purchasing is safe and meets the latest safety standard.
Safety
It is crucial to provide a safe and secure environment for your newborn. Find cots or cribs that meet NHS safety standards, and have been approved by childcare experts such as the director of the Mother-Baby Behavioural Sleep Laboratory. Bedside cribs offer a safe and practical sleeping solution that lets parents keep their infant close to them, encouraging bonding and reassuring the baby that they're not in danger.
When shopping for a bedside crib bassinet or cot, ensure sure that it has a sturdy mattress with no gaps that could cause suffocation or entrapment. Make sure that the crib frame is solid and the slats do not exceed 3/8 inches. Check that the mattress size is in line with EN 16890, and that it has been tested to ensure solidity, stability, and firmness.
It is also recommended to avoid putting anything to your infant's crib that increase the danger of entrapment, suffocation or strangulation such as pillows, blankets and stuffed animals except if they're designed to be used for sleep. Also, avoid any sleep wedges, or positioners since they're not clinically proved to improve sleep, and could pose danger to your baby.
4-in-1 bedside crib is better to purchase a crib with fixed sides rather than drop sides. These are safer. It is also recommended to avoid cribs with mobiles attached because these can pose a choking hazard and strangulation risk if the string or cord gets caught around your baby's neck.
Make sure that the crib's hardware is free from any sharp edges that could cause injury or scratching to your baby. Also, ensure that the crib's bedding and mattress are securely secured and that there are no loose or broken screws, brackets, buckles or snaps. Find the JPMA certification seal. This indicates that the crib was tested and is in compliance with safety standards. Find the seal on the JPMA Certification Directory by selecting a product category.
Practicality
If you'd like to sleep near your baby but don't want to share the same bed, a crib that is placed beside it is a great alternative. Also called co-sleepers or bassinets at the bedside, these babies are attached to the side of the bed parents sleep in providing them with a secure space in which to sleep but within easy reach for night feeds and soothing. This close connection strengthens the bond between children and parents, and helps promote healthy sleeping patterns. Parents can also react quickly to any needs that arise throughout the night.
Many cribs come with a side panel which can be removed at night and then left. This allows you to observe and feed your baby or change their nappy during the night. Some cribs even come with a unique zip-down mesh wall that can be zipped up and then tucked into the mattress for extra security, removing the possibility of blankets or duvets falling on top of your baby. The SnuzPod 4, as an instance, is made of ventilatory material that improves airflow and reduces the risk of being suffocated.
Most cribs can be attached to your bed or mattress using straps. But, it is important to ensure that the straps supplied with the crib will fit your bed frame. This is particularly important if you have divan-style beds. Some cribs can also be folded and put away when not in use making them an ideal choice to travel with.
Some cribs can be used on their own, allowing you to move them around the room as needed. This allows you to keep your baby close throughout the day, encouraging bonding and socialisation. Some cribs can be moved around, so you can move them around as you need to. This lets you keep your child close all day long, encouraging bonding and socialisation. bedside co sleeper are also an excellent option for helping your baby to feel more independent. They will be able to sleep independently and establish routines.
Space
Bedside cribs are a secure and practical method of co-sleeping. You can see and reach your child without having to leave your bed. Some cribs also come with incline settings to aid in reducing reflux and congestion and others have practical under-seat storage for wipes and muslin squares. Always make sure 4-in-1 bedside crib have a mattress specifically designed for your bedside crib mattress - second-hand mattresses are likely to be flat or worn out, which can increase the chance of SIDS.
In addition to providing easy access for night feedings and feedings, bedside cribs are ideal for mothers who are recovering from a C-section as they can be used while still lying down. They can also help your baby adjust to sleeping alone in their crib and build independence, while the barrier they create between your bed and theirs minimizes the chance of being suffocated.
There are plenty of options that range from budget-friendly to premium. Some cribs can be folded and stored away while others come with a travel bag that you can use to transport them on weekends. Consider the dimensions of your room and whether the crib can fit. Your baby may get out of it earlier than you anticipated so don't purchase too small.
The Cozee XL crib is easy to put together and has a stylish oak base. It has an anti-reflux setting as well as a side panel which opens and is easy to clean. It's suitable for most bed frames, however it might be difficult to install the divan if it's slightly different.
If you're looking for a chic bedside crib that includes a mattress and a carry bag this crib from Chicco is worth looking into. Its unique design has a perforated base which increases airflow, as well as an array of height adjustments for your growing baby. It's also easy to clean and features a useful under-seat storage area for wipes, nappies, and other baby toys.